Gregorian – Masters of Chant: Chapter III (2002)
Artist: Gregorian
Album: Masters of Chant: Chapter III
Released: 2002
Label: Edel Records
Genre: Gregorian chant, Classical crossover, New Age
Producer: Frank Peterson
Overview
Released in 2002, Masters of Chant: Chapter III continued Gregorian’s successful formula of transforming well-known rock and pop songs into solemn, chant-inspired choral interpretations. By this point, the project had firmly established itself across Europe as a major classical crossover act.
Under the direction of producer Frank Peterson, Chapter III expanded the repertoire to include heavier rock influences and darker atmospheres, giving the album a slightly more dramatic and intense tone compared to its predecessors.
Album Credits
Core Team
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Frank Peterson – producer, arranger, concept
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Jan-Eric Kohrs – co-producer, engineer
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Gregorian Choir – male vocal ensemble
Production
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Produced in Germany
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Released via Edel Records
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Orchestration and arrangements handled by Peterson’s production team
Tracklist
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Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton cover – alternate arrangement)
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Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits cover – alternate version)
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Losing My Religion (R.E.M. cover)
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When a Man Loves a Woman (Percy Sledge cover – alternate version)
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Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover – alternate version)
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The Unforgiven (Metallica cover)
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Vienna (Ultravox cover – alternate version)
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Sadeness (Enigma-inspired arrangement)
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The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover – alternate version)
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The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack cover)
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Join Me (HIM cover – alternate mix)
Note: Some editions include different mixes or bonus tracks depending on region.
Musical Style & Sound
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Deep male choral harmonies
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Darker, more dramatic arrangements
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Emphasis on rock ballads and alternative classics
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Heavy atmospheric layering with orchestral textures
Compared to earlier chapters, Chapter III leans slightly more toward rock-oriented material, including Metallica’s The Unforgiven, which became one of the album’s standout interpretations.
Key Highlights
🎵 The Unforgiven
Metallica’s brooding ballad transformed into a solemn, cathedral-like choral piece.
🎵 Losing My Religion
R.E.M.’s alternative rock classic takes on a reflective, spiritual tone.
🎵 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
A slow, emotionally rich reinterpretation that fits naturally into Gregorian’s style.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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By 2002, Gregorian had firmly built a loyal fan base across Germany and Central Europe.
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Metallica covers continued to be popular choices, as Nothing Else Matters had been a major success on Chapter I.
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The production became increasingly cinematic, with richer layering and more polished sound design.
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Some tracks were re-recorded or rearranged versions from earlier chapters to enhance cohesion.
Did You Know?
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Gregorian’s stage shows during this era began incorporating more elaborate lighting and cathedral-inspired visuals.
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Despite the medieval branding, the choir consists of professionally trained modern vocalists, not monks.
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The project was one of Germany’s most successful classical crossover exports of the early 2000s.
Commercial Performance
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Achieved strong chart placements in Germany and neighboring European markets.
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Earned Gold certifications in select territories.
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Continued steady international sales, reinforcing the franchise’s longevity.
Critical Reception
Praised for:
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Consistent atmospheric quality
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Strong song selection
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High production standards
Criticism:
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Some reviewers felt the formula was becoming repetitive
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Re-recorded tracks led to questions about originality
Still, fans appreciated the consistency and emotional tone.
Legacy
Masters of Chant: Chapter III demonstrated that Gregorian’s concept was sustainable beyond a novelty trend. The project had now become a recognizable brand, paving the way for future chapters and expanded touring.
Album Rating
⭐ 7/10
A solid continuation with darker tones and strong rock selections. While less innovative than Chapter I, it maintained the high production quality and appeal that defined Gregorian’s success.
Gregorian Full Discography: Complete Guide to Albums & Covers Collection (1991--2019)
Download Gregorian Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Gregorian - Masters of Chant: Chapter I (2000)
Gregorian - Masters of Chant Chapter II (2001)
Gregorian - Masters of Chant: Chapter IV (2003)
Gregorian - The Dark Side (2004)
Gregorian - The Masterpieces (Best of CD and Live DVD) (2005)
Gregorian - Christmas Chants & Visions (2008)